Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9018)
The Act is officially known as the 'Charter of the City of Candon.'
Republic Act No. 9018 was approved on March 5, 2001.
The City of Candon's territorial jurisdiction is the same as the former Municipality of Candon, bounded by specified neighboring municipalities and the China Sea, within the technical metes and bounds of the Municipality of Candon.
The City has continuous succession in its corporate name, can sue and be sued, has a corporate seal, can acquire, hold, and convey real or personal property, enter into contracts, and exercise other powers subject to law or this Charter.
The elective officials include the City Mayor, City Vice Mayor, and Sangguniang Panlungsod members.
The City Mayor must be at least 21 years old, a resident of the City for at least one year prior to election, and a qualified voter in the City.
The City Mayor is the chief executive, exercises powers under the Local Government Code, appoints officials (with the Council's concurrence), ensures enforcement of laws and ordinances, prepares the city development plan, represents the City in transactions, and oversees the delivery of basic services among others.
It is composed of the City Vice Mayor as presiding officer, ten (10) regular members, presidents of the Liga ng mga Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, and three sectoral representatives from women, workers, and other sectors.
It enacts ordinances and resolutions, approves budgets, imposes taxes, regulates local activities and land use, reviews barangay ordinances, provides safety and health services, supports socio-economic development, and performs other legislative functions.
The Mayor must return the ordinance with objections within 10 days; the Sangguniang Panlungsod may override the veto by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all members, making the ordinance effective.
The City Vice Mayor assumes the office; if the Vice Mayor refuses, the highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod member becomes City Mayor.
They must be Philippine citizens, residents of Candon, of good moral character, with relevant professional qualifications (e.g., CPA for city accountant, member of the Philippine Bar for city legal officer), experience, and civil service eligibility.
A fine not exceeding Five thousand pesos (P5,000), or imprisonment not exceeding one (1) year, or both at the discretion of the court.
No increase in the rates of local taxes shall be imposed for five (5) years after its corporate existence.
Republic Act No. 7160, the Local Government Code of 1991, and other laws applicable to component cities govern the City, insofar as they are not inconsistent with this Charter.